FIFA Swamped With Criticisms After Toleration Of A Discriminatory Remark

Critics hurled criticisms on FIFA on Monday after letting Brazil and Mexico off the hook despite having their fans hurl the discriminatory homophobic word ‘puto’ in a World Cup match. It has been confirmed that the Mexican team has been cleared of disciplinary action after its supporters hurl such discriminatory words prior to an opening game against Cameroon.

This means that both Brazil and Mexico have been cleared to continue on the tournament, despite their supporters hurling this word, otherwise known as “faggot”, to target individuals.

Piara Powar, Fare head and FIFA anti-racism task force member, referred to the world as “totally unacceptable” but Fifa, failed to agree, given its “zero-tolerance” approach.

In response to FIFA’s reaction Fare released a statement as follows: “If the decision is that the use of the word ‘puto’ is not homophobic then this disappointing and contradicts the expert advice of the Mexican government’s own anti-discrimination body, Conapred, and numerous other experts”.

Fare further states the following to make a standpoint:

“Academics such as Andres Aradillas-Lopez have publicly confirmed the use of the word in football is homophobic. Independent academics that we have taken the time to consult also confirm what many football fans in South America have known for a long time.

“A genuine zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination will mean that Fifa will need to take some difficult decisions. In the longer term, it is the only way to set out clear leadership and deal with a real issue in football.”